As the saying goes “you are what you eat”, and nowhere is this saying more apt than when talking about your teeth. If you eat a lot of junk food, you should expect that your teeth won’t be very healthy! On the other hand, eating the right foods can strengthen your teeth and improve your overall oral health. Here are four foods that studies have shown are great for your dental health.
1. Cheese
Millions of people in the United States and around the world love cheese. If you’re a big fan of cheese, you now have another good reason to love it. According to researchers at the American Academy of General Dentistry, cheese can raise the pH level in your mouth and lower your risk of tooth decay. The chewing required when eating cheese can also increase saliva levels in your mouth, and the protein and calcium in cheese strengthen the enamel of your teeth as well.
2. Leafy Vegetables
Leafy green vegetables are a part of any healthy person’s diet since they are full of vitamins and minerals, yet low in calories. Kale and spinach, in particular, are really good for your oral health as well. These leafy greens are high in calcium and also contain folic acid, which studies suggest can possibly treat gum disease in pregnant women.
3. Apples
Dental experts recommend that you stay away from sugar and most sweet foods, but apples tend to be a major exception to this rule. They are sweet, but they also contain a lot of fiber and water. The fiber stimulates your gums and the water serves to help wash away the bacteria and food particles on your teeth. While eating an apple is no substitute for brushing your teeth with toothpaste, it can be a great way to tide over your teeth until you get the opportunity to brush.
4. Yogurt
Like cheese, yogurt contains a high amount of calcium and protein to help strengthen your teeth. But unlike cheese, yogurt also contains probiotics, which are bacteria beneficial to human health. The probiotics can crowd out the bad bacteria in your mouth which cause cavities. Make sure you choose a plain kind of yogurt with no added sugars for maximum benefit!
You Can Trust Olney Dental for All of Your Oral Care Needs
For all of your oral care questions and concerns, Olney Dental has the expertise and professionalism to get them the answers they need. Olney Dental is ready to supply you with expert service in a professional environment. Schedule an appointment online today! For more information on how we can give your family the best dentist experience available, give us a call at (301) 250-1057 or contact us online. For more dental tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, YouTube, and Pinterest.